Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

An ingrown toenail refers to a common issue that occurs when the toenail edge grows into the surrounding skin, leading to various painful symptoms. Dr. John Kolberg from Westbury Foot Care in Westbury, NY, explains that while an ingrown toenail usually impacts the big toe, it can occur on any toe of either foot.

Ingrown Toenails: Causes & Symptoms

 Ingrown toenails can occur for various reasons. In addition to being genetically predisposed or having anatomical factors that raise your risk, the following may also contribute to the development of ingrown toenails –

• Poor Nail Trimming Habits.
• Improper Footwear Choices. 
• Toe Injury/Trauma.

The  Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

 While ingrown toenails, - a.k.a. onychocryptosis, may be visible to the naked eye, these are the additional symptoms you may experience –

• Pain and discomfort.
• Redness, Tenderness, and Swelling in the impacted area.

 If an ingrown toenail becomes infected, the existing symptoms, like swelling, pain, and discharge, may intensify. The skin surrounding the ingrown toenail, in severe cases, might harden and become overgrown.

Ingrown Toenails: Treatment Options

 For mild cases, you can soak your affected foot in Epsom salts and warm water to help manage the condition—just keep the area clean and dry afterward. 

However, if an ingrown toenail does not heal or needs treatment and has been left untreated, this situation may develop into a more severe medical condition—like a skin infection (a.k.a. cellulitis) or an abscess. If an ingrown toenail infection is present, Dr. Kolberg may prescribe a course of oral antibiotic medication or a topical antibiotic.

In certain instances, surgical intervention may be necessary. Minor surgical procedures are available that can provide relief.

Ingrown Toenails: Prevention

• Improving Toe Nail Trimming Habits—It's important to trim toenails carefully, which means cutting them straight across without trimming them too short. Additionally, rounding the corners of the nails with a nail file, if needed, can help with prevention. Practicing good foot hygiene, such as keeping feet clean and dry, is also essential for reducing the risk of infection.
• Better Footwear Choices - Selecting shoes with inadequate room in the toe box can apply pressure that may lead to the development of an ingrown toenail.
• Avoiding Toe or Toenail Trauma – Stubbing a toe or any injury to the toenail can cause an ingrown toenail.

Seeking Medical Care from a Leading Westbury, NY Podiatrist

 If you experience pain, discomfort, or swelling, or if an ingrown toenail doesn't begin to heal with conservative home efforts, contact Dr. Kolberg or a staff member of Westbury Foot Care at 516-338-8802.